Mount Constitution, rising nearly a half mile high above Orcas Island, is the highest point in the San Juan Islands and the second highest mountain on an ocean island in the contiguous 48 states. Only Devils Peak in the Channel Islands of California is higher. Sitting on the crest is a stone tower replica of Russian watchtowers constructed in the Caucasus during the 12th century. It was designed by architect Ellsworth Storey and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. From the tower visitors can observe a 360 degree view of the surrounding area including shots of Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and the other islands of the San Juan Archipelago.
No trip to Orcas Island is complete without a visit to the top of Mount Constitution; a perfect culmination for hikers and bikers in Moran State Park. Bright golden sunshine on the blues and greens of the San Juan Islands offer breathtaking panoramas from horizon to horizon. Locals enjoy coming to Mount Constitution in the early summer mornings to see spectacular sunrises (if it’s not too foggy) over Mount Baker. Even crisp days can provide views of the fog-laden San Juan Islands for a different sight of mystery and wonder.
The road to Mount Constitution is open annually (although for safety reasons it is closed during heavy snowfall). Trails also lead to the summit from numerous starting points across Moran State Park including Cold Springs, Mountain Lake, and the West Boundary. Take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to beautiful Orcas Island and see what has been lauded as one of the best maritime views in the world!
PLEASE NOTE: Visitor access is only available 6:30am to dusk in the summer and 8am to dusk in the winter and you do need a Discover Pass to park inside Moran State Park:
Logging requirements:
- To log this cache you will have to earn the high D/T rating by hiking to the summit. On your route you will pass a few waypoints. At eat Waypoint, gather the information and message me answers to the following questions:
- At WAYPOINT ONE: According to the posted Emergency Information laminated sign, what is the first phone number listed?
- At WAYPOINT TWO: According to the posted sign, what is to your right?
- At WAYPOINT THREE: Just to your right within 25 feet of the posted coordinates, what do you see? a) Remnants of a shed structure. b) Remnants of a rusted vehicle. c) An "erratic" boulder approximately 30 feet in diameter. d) None of the above.
- At WAYPOINT FOUR: According to the posted sign, how many miles to Little Summit?
- At WAYPOINT FIVE (posted coordinates): How many steps from the ground to the top of the tower (Don't stress, just get within 5)?
- Submit a photo of yourself or something to identify you (your watch, GPSr, car keys, etc) viewing the scene from the top of the watch tower.
- I realize this cache isn't for everyone. Please don't post your Found It without getting AND MESSAGING ME the required information. I will only reply if there is a problem. Posts not messaging me the requested information will be deleted.
** Congratulations to @las3dogs for being FTF this cache
| |
- This geocache has an approved Permit to be placed at this location on property managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Visitors are responsible for acquainting themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the State of Washington nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.
|
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.